Auto-lens.



F. E. DILLON.

AUTO LENS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 30. 1915.

Patented Jan. 8, 1918.

//7 Ziom QL I (a I Zaifflesses:

A H see nun @FFIEQE JFEND E. DILLON, OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN= MENTS, TO THE DILLON LENS & MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 015 BhIJDG-EPUR'E,

OHIO, A. 801820 a $310M 012 OHIO.

AUTU-LENS.

weenie.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jano S, 112531185.

thereof.

My invention relates to lenses and has special reference to such lenses for use in connection with automobile and other vehicle headlights.

The object of my invention isto provide a cheap, simple and efiicient form of lens which will throw the light to the ground when used on a vehicle, as well as one which will also, when so used, throw out the light laterally, and will prevent glaring.

To these ends my invention consists, generally stated, in the novel arrangement, construction and combination of parts, as hereinafter more specifically set forth and described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

To enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to construct and use my improved lens, I will describe the same more fully, referrin to the accompanying drawings, in whic Figure, 1 is a face'view of my improved lens Fig. 2 is a section of the same on the line 2-2 Fig. 1; and

Fi s. 3 and 4 are like views respectively showing another form of my invention.

I Like symbols of reference herein indicate like parts in each of the figures of the draw- 1n is illustrated in the drawing my improved lens is shown at A which is formed of glass and is capable of being made b pressin in the usual manner. The lens is circu ar or disk-shape in form and is provided with the annular flange or lip 1 at its outer extremity for securing or holding the same in a lamp or other lighting device (not shown). Extending outwardly from such flange 1 is the bowed portion 2, which is formed by the annular fiat portion 3 connecting with said flange by the annular inclined portion 4 and by the annular inclined portion 5, connecting with the center portion 6. The center portion 6 is provided with the outwardly extending bulbous portion 7, whlch 1s connected to the inclined portion 5 and is formed thinner at such connection than at its center in order to form what is known as the bulls-eye shape.

All of the lens A is frosted or ground, such as by sand blasting, or in any suitable man her, with the exception of said bulbous port1on 7 and the upper half of the inclined portion 5, which are formed of clear glass.

In the use and operation of my improved lens A when applied to the headlight of an automobile, it will be obvious that the center or bulbous portion 7 will throw the light ahead and the frosted or ground portions in the bowed. portion 2 will throw the light all around in front of the vehicle, while the lower frosted or ground angular portion 5 Will keep the light from going upward, and the outer inclined portion l will throw the light out laterally. It will also be obvious that the upper clear angular portion 5 will throw the light from one side to the other and from the latter side to the former side, while the top part of such portion will throw the light down.

The center or bowed portion 2 of the lens A can haveits inner line or face somewhat narrower than the inner face of the flange 1, as at 8, for enabling the grinding or finishing off of said flange portion to make aproper fitting for the lamp, while, if desired, the flange 1 can be recessed on the face of the same, as at 1', in order to provide for two flat portions on said flangefor fitting against supporting flanges of difierent diallneters on the lamp to hold the lens in p ace.

If desired, the lower portion of the inclined portion 4 can be formed of clear glass, such as is shown at 4 in Figs. 3 and l, which will enable the light to be thrown to the ground therefrom where it will meet the light thrown from the portion 5, while such ortion 5 Will also illuminate the ground in ront of the car.

Various other modifications and changes in the design and construction of my improved lens may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages.

It will thus be seen that the outer portion of my improved lens being bulged out over the under portion will enable the center or bulls-eye portion being set back in such inner portion, thus strengthening the lens by opening out the same, and also enabling the making of the center or bulls-eye portion in the lens of the proper shape for utility.

It will also be seen that my improved lens can be manufactured cheaply and easily, will overcome the glaring effect and objection so common in this class of lenses, and will properly diffuse the light in the directions most desired in this class of devices. The lens is so shaped as to form a neat and finished appearance to the eye and will permit of names or advertisements on the fiat and outer surfaces of the same.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A circular lens of the class described having a central circular bulls-eye portion of clear glass, a bulbous portion extending out in front of said bulls-eye portion, said bulbous portion having an inwardly extending inclined portion around said bullseye portion and connecting with the same, and said inclined portion having the upper portion thereof of clear glass, with the remaining portion of the same and said bulbous portion translucent.

2. A circular lens of the class described having a central circular bulls-eye portion, a bulbous portion extending around and in front of the same, a semi-circular portion of clear glass Within said bulbous portion and above saidbulls-eye, and the remaining portion of said bulbous portion translucent.

3. A circular lens of the class described having a supporting annular flange portion at the outer edge of the same, an annular bulbous portion extending out in front of said flange portion and connected to the same by an annular inclined portion, and a central bulls-eye portion of clear glass extending rearwardly of said bulbous portion, said inclined portion having its lower face formed of clear glass, and the remaining portion of said bulbous portion and said inclined portion being translucent.

4. A circular lens of the class described having an annular supporting flange portion at the outer edge of the same, an annular bulbous portion extending out in front of said flange portion, an annular central bulls-eye portion of clear glass extending rearwardly of said bulbous portion, annular inclined portions connecting said bulbous portions with said flange and with said bulls-eye, said first-named inclined portion having its lower portion of clear glass, and said second named inclined portion having its upper portion of clear glass, and the reniainin portion of said bulbous portion and said inclined portions being translucent.

In testimony whereof I, the said FRIEND E. DILLON, have hereunto set my hand.

. FRIEND E. DILLON.

Witnesses:

W. E. THOMAS, JAS. W. DILLON. 

